OPINION

CONTENTS

and criticisms with the pro-
delegations from the
duction were vigorously
Bavarian Bishops Conference,
presented and candidly
other members of the
discussed. Although the
Catholic hierarchy as well as
delegation was told there is
the play's director, producer
talk of a totally new produc-
and the public relations direc-
tion for the year 2000, the
tor (the passion play
1990 play will still use the
generates up to $12 million in
traditional and highly pro-
income for the village of
blematic text written during
Oberammergau during a
the 19th century.
single season), to discuss
Dr. Swidler stressed that
script changes and staging for
the play's anti-Jewish
1990 and future productions.
elements do not represent
contemporary Christian
Among the ongoing
thinking and that the produc-
criticisms of the Oberam-
tion is not in according with
mergau play are these:
the teachings of the Second
• It ignores completely the
Vatican Council nor of subse-
political and religious com-
quent Catholic guidelines on
plexities of Jesus' time and
passion plays.
simply presents the Jews as
Definitive action regarding
Jesus' enemies, which is
the passion play's offensive
historically false.
content was initiated by ADL
• Jews are portrayed as
after the 1980 performance.
grotesque and bloodthirsty
The ADL asked Dr. Swidler
sadists.
and the Rev. Gerard Sloyan,
• The blame for the
also a faculty member of 'Ibm-
crucifixion of Jesus is laid on
ple University, to prepare a
Jews for all time.
comprehensive analysis of the
• The production fails to
production. After months of
make clear that Jesus and his
work, they recommended 28
disciples were Jews and re-
changes deemed essential to
mained so throughout their
remove the obvious and most
lives.
blatant anti-Jewish elements.
• Pontius Pilate is por-
At the same time, the
trayed as a feeble ad-
BavarianBishops Conference
ministrator maniuplated by
proposed 22 corrections of
Jews, rather than as the
historical-and theological in-
brutal tyrant described by
accuracies. A steady and
historians.
seemingly friendly exchange
Compounding the problem
of correspondence and con-
of anti-Jewish attitudes
tacts culminated in a May
transmitted by the produc-
1983 meeting. During the
tion, the play, because it is
meeting there was a preview
surrounded with a religious
of the special 350th anniver-
mystique, is regarded by
sary production which was to
many not simple as a piece of
be presented during the sum-
theater but as a spiritual and
mer of 1984.
theological experience.
Despite efforts to effect
Efforts to achieve positive
changes, ADL found the per-
change continue. At the same
formance continued to
time, ADL is making
stereotype Jews and to distort
available to as broad an au-
the Gospels. The play remain-
dience as possible "The
ed offensive and could not
Guidlines for the Oberam-
help but reinforce negative
mergau Passionspiel and
mages of Jews and Judaism.
Other Passion Plays,"
Meetings followed with
prepared by Dr. Swidler.

CLOSE-UP

24

The Long And
Winding Road

ELIZABETH APPLEBAUM
SUSAN GRANT
ALAN HITSKY
KIMBERLY LIFTON
RICHARD PEARL

A look back at the Jewish
community and Interstate 696.

PROFILE

24

45

Queen Of
The Castle

CARLA JEAN SCHWARTZ
Davira Taragin heads
the DIA's Castle exhibit.

LOOKING BACK

48

Significant Events
Of The Decade

GARY ROSENBLATT

The major struggles and events
that impacted world Jewry.

ENTERTAINMENT

59

Commercial
Success

No longer practicing piano,
an ex-Detroiter writes musicals.

45

HEALTH AND FITNESS

center

A special section to help
you prepare for the year ahead.

❑

SINGLE LIFE

Love And Wisdom

U.S. Double Standard
On Foreign Intervention

BERL FALBAUM

Special to The Jewish News

I

f President Bush's defense
of his actions in Panama
sounded familiar, it
should: It substantially
represents the foreign policy
of Israel for some 40 years.
The President basically bas-
ed his case on the fact that it
was his duty to protect
American lives. Whatever the
merits of his argument —
whether legal or not —
Americans, including politi-
cians, the media and the

MICHAEL FARBOWITZ
A telephone network offers
a dateline and inspiration.

general public, generally sup-
ported his position. Early
polls indicate support ranging
up to 80 percent.
There was no moral
outrage. There were few ques-
tions about intervention into
the affairs of another country.
In short, except for a few
editorials which disputed the
merits of the case, Bush en-
joyed support.
It appeared that many in
this country suddenly forgot
the principle on which they
criticize Israel, which has ar-

Continued on Page 10

89

DEPARTMENTS

36 . Inside Washington 94 Births
58 Synagogues
96 Insight
72 Travel
99 Classified Ads
91
Engagements
114 Obituaries

CANDLELIGHTING

59

Friday, December 30, 1989 4:50 p.m.
Sabbath ends Dec. 31
5:57 p.m.

THE DETROIT-JEWISH NEWS

7